In 1967, Australian-born, New York artist Rachael Romero was incarcerated without charge and without legal trial in ‘The Pines’ Convent of the Good Shepherd at North Plympton. This exhibition depicts 14 year-old Romero’s experience working in the Convent’s laundry – one of nine operating in Australia during the twentieth century.

Romero recalls, “In this Dickensian throwback, our names were taken. Our identity was taken. We were shocked into an enforced silence and ‘trained’ to carry out dangerous drudgery. Offered no remuneration for such labour we were told to offer it up for the saving of souls in the ‘next life’ and therefore beautify our pitiful selves”.

This exhibition is presented by the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, art by Rachael Romero, a survivor of the ‘The Pines’, and curated by Adele Chynoweth.

FREE at the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, now open until 3 October
Open weekdays 9am – 5pm, Thursday 9am – 7pm